RAB3100 Computed Tomography Imaging Technology in Depth Course description

Language of instruction: Norwegian/English 

Computed tomography (CT) provides great opportunities for accurate and detailed diagnosis, and has increased in scope in recent years. The specialisation course in CT focuses on protocol development, new trends in parameter selection, post-processing and image analysis. This course has been developed with a focus on new technology and in-depth study of innovative imaging methods.

Passed first and second year of the programme or equivalent

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:  

Knowledge  

The student can

• explain different CT scan parameters, how they relate to each other and their effect on the image quality and radiation dose of the CT examinations
• explain the general principles for CT optimisation with respect to image quality and radiation dose
• explain the clinical application of the different protocols
• explain optimisation of contrast agent examinations using new technology
• describe how advanced new CT technology can be used in optimisation projects

Skills  

The student can

• apply advanced image processing methods in CT examinations

General competence  

The student can

• discuss the role of CT in diagnostic imaging at present and in future
• assess the role of innovation in the field of CT

The work and teaching methods include lectures, seminars, skills training and self-study.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• a minimum attendance of 80 % at scheduled seminars and skills training sessions 

Written home exam in groups of 2-4 students, up to 1,500 words. Duration: 8 hours.

Resit assessment/exam: Students who are awarded the grade "Fail" on the home exam has the right to submit a reworked version once.

All aids are permitted. 

Pass/Fail 

At least 20% of the exam papers will be assessed by one external and one internal examiner. The external examiner's assessment should benefit all students. The remaining papers will be assessed by internal examiners.

In this course, students will gain theoretical and applied knowledge on industrial materials. The course begins with an introduction to the structure of atoms, electron configuration and the period table. The various bonds found in different material groups are described. An account of the different atomic arrangements is followed by the study of materials imperfections and their effect on properties. The course moves on to describe the different hardening mechanisms (strain hardening, solid solution hardening, dispersion hardening and precipitation hardening). In physical metallurgy, the use of phase diagrams is central to understand the microstructure of alloys and the design of heat treatments to obtain desired properties. In total, the chemistry content amounts to 1.5 credits.

The focus of this course is on construction materials, especially metallic materials such as steel and aluminum. However, polymers, ceramics and composites are also discussed. The course includes content about joining methods such as welding, soldering and bonding. Furthermore, it provides a good basis of the factors that affect materials selection for various applications and for assessing the environmental consequences of materials choices.